photo credit: Charlotte Area Transit System
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Project Sponsor / Borrower | Charlotte Area Transit System |
| Program Areas | |
| Mode | Light Rail Transit |
| Description | The LYNX Blue Line Extension (BLE or "Project") will extend light rail transit service from the 9.6-mile LYNX Blue Line that opened in the South Corridor of Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2007. The BLE will be 9.3 miles in length with 11 new transit stations. Approximately 3,100 parking spaces will be provided at the four stations with parking facilities, including 3 parking garages. The alignment will run within the existing Norfolk Southern and North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) rights-of-way from Center City Charlotte to the middle of the route where it will transition to the median of North Tryon Street/US-29. The line will remain in the median until approximately 1,000 feet north of the existing entrance to the UNC Charlotte's Charlotte Research Institute, where it will enter the campus. The BLE will terminate at the UNC Charlotte Station. Twenty at-grade crossings and 11 grade separation structures, which cross over or under roads, railroads and environmental features, are included in the Project. |
| Cost | Estimated Project Cost $1.16 billion |
| Funding Sources | FFGA - $580 million State of North Carolina - $299.1 million City of Charlotte NECI funds - $17.5 million Local in-kind ROW contributions - $13.4 million PAY-GO CATS - $70.1 million TIFIA Loan - $180 million |
| Project Delivery / Contract Method | Design-bid-build |
| Project Advisors / Consultants | Technical Advisor - DEC Associates Financial Advisor - Ernst & Young Counsel - Parker Poe To USDOT TIFIA JPO
|
| Lenders | USDOT TIFIA |
| Duration / Status | Commercial close was reached on September 17, 2015. Construction began in January 2014 and is expected to be completed in 2017. |
| TIFIA Credit Assistance | Direct Loan - $180 million. The TIFIA loan will be repaid with state and local appropriations |
| Financial Status | The TIFIA Credit Agreement was executed on September 17, 2015. |
| Contacts | Dee Pereira |
